Aphid on Almond and Peach in Tunisia: Species, Bioecology, Natural Enemies and Control Methods

Abstract

Aphids are among the most obnoxious pests of almond and peach in Tunisia. Accurate control of these insect pests requires the determination of their major species as well as the thorough understanding of the biology and identification of their major natural enemies. The scope of this chapter is to identify the main aphid species infesting almond and peach in Tunisia, to describe their biology, to determine their natural enemies and to study their efficiency as biological agents. A field survey was carried out during 2007–2016 period at Almond and Peach orchards in Tunisia. Results demonstrated the presence of Hyalopterus pruni Geoffroy, Hyalopterus amygdali Blanchard, Brachycaudus amygdalinus Schouteden, Myzus persicae Sulzer, Brachycaudus schzartwi Borner and Pterochloroides persicae Cholodkovsky. Biological study of recorded species demonstrated the presence of holocyclic and anholocyclic life cycle depending on host trees and aphid species. For predators, four families (Coccinellidae, Syrphidae, Chrysopidae, Cecidomyiidae) and one parasitoid and two entomopathogenic fungi species were identified. For control of Pterochloroides persicae, results showed that Pauesia antennata Mukergi was more efficacy than Coccinella algerica Kovar. This parasitoid should be reared and used in future integrated pest management program in almond and peach orchard in Tunisia.